"A love letter to moms everywhere and a reminder that you’re enough, even if you don’t have eight arms." —Kristen Bell, actress, parent, producer, and coauthor of the #1 New York Times bestseller The World Needs More Purple People
"Adorable and resonant for any busy mom." —Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"A warm-hearted and loving story that should appeal to kids, parents, and octopuses." —Douglas McGrath, director of Emma and Academy Award nominee
“Oh, do I feel seen. This delightful book told from a child’s point of view exposes the many roles of mom and the near impossibility of actually doing it all successfully. I’m so glad this story exists for parents everywhere who feel overwhelmed and under-appreciated! The struggle is real.” —Zibby Owens, host of the award-winning podcast Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books and author of Princess Charming and Bookends
"A child's charming account of what every parent thinks they need, only to find that they are enough as they are." —Anne-Marie Slaughter, author of Unfinished Business: Men Women Work and Family, and CEO, New America
"Adorable read and every mother’s wish! — To have enough hands to do it all so we don't miss a moment engaged and playing with our little ones. My Mommy, the Octopus is an imaginative way of having this conversation with your child. With so many parents holding down massive careers from home, this book is a really fun and creative way to explain to our sweet babies, who just want to play, that Mommy also has to do some work! Love the art, love the rhyme—it’s a wonderful addition to my son's little library." — Cerina Vincent, actress and author of Everybody Has a Belly Button
“Mommies have so much to do that they need eight arms! Mommy’s arms, open wide for a hug, greet a child in the morning to begin a busy day. The mother, who works from home, has a list of tasks that include making calls, writing emails, preparing reports, doing laundry, and cooking. Although the child laments 'she left out play!' Mommy does a super job of juggling household tasks and work while still finding time to play, and the child is independent enough to build block towers and create animals from clay during Mommy’s video call. Still, during nap time, the child dreams of a bright pink octopus that has one arm to handle all of Mommy’s work and seven more for tending to the child. When the child wakes to another hug, the illustration shows faint octopus tentacles, complete with two tentacles curled to make a heart behind Mommy. Mommy and child continue their day and, at bedtime, conclude that having eight arms like an octopus might be helpful for getting things done, but two arms are just right for giving and receiving a hug. Brightly colored illustrations against a white background and close-ups of emotional moments keep the focus on the busy day and the loving interactions between parent and child. The child has sandy hair and a light complexion, while the mother has chestnut hair, a slightly darker complexion, and a wrist tattoo. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A tribute to mothers everywhere who juggle work, home, and child rearing with love and plenty of hugs. (Picture book. 3-6)” —Kirkus Reviews
2022-10-27
Mommies have so much to do that they need eight arms!
Mommy’s arms, open wide for a hug, greet a child in the morning to begin a busy day. The mother, who works from home, has a list of tasks that include making calls, writing emails, preparing reports, doing laundry, and cooking. Although the child laments “she left out play!” Mommy does a super job of juggling household tasks and work while still finding time to play, and the child is independent enough to build block towers and create animals from clay during Mommy’s video call. Still, during nap time, the child dreams of a bright pink octopus that has one arm to handle all of Mommy’s work and seven more for tending to the child. When the child wakes to another hug, the illustration shows faint octopus tentacles, complete with two tentacles curled to make a heart behind Mommy. Mommy and child continue their day and, at bedtime, conclude that having eight arms like an octopus might be helpful for getting things done, but two arms are just right for giving and receiving a hug. Brightly colored illustrations against a white background and close-ups of emotional moments keep the focus on the busy day and the loving interactions between parent and child. The child has sandy hair and a light complexion, while the mother has chestnut hair, a slightly darker complexion, and a wrist tattoo. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A tribute to mothers everywhere who juggle work, home, and child rearing with love and plenty of hugs. (Picture book. 3-6)
